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Dwarfed in the Basque region by Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad, Eibar continually over achieved last season and captured the hearts of many as they competed with Spain’s big boys.

Lejeune was a major part of their success, making more clearances than any other La Liga defender last season, convincing Rafa Benitez to activate his £8.7 million release clause.

Florian Lejeune signs for Newcastle (Image: Newcastle United)

And after his move to St James’ Park was finalised this morning, Eibar showed their class by tweeting the former Manchester City defender the following message.

“@NUFC You have signed a great player and a better person. Good luck @lejeune_floria! Bon courage!”

It may seem like a fleeting statement, but Sky Sports’ La Liga expert Terry Gibson explained to us earlier this month that to play for Eibar requires a certain type of character and Lejeune’s efforts clearly haven’t gone unnoticed at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium.

Gibson told ChronicleLive: “Eibar have to get by bringing in a certain type of player and Lejeune fits the bill.

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“You have to be the right character – prepared to put everything in because you know you are battling against it playing for them. They are a triumph of good management and good players and Lejeune has been arguably one of their best.

“To play for Eibar you knuckle down, work hard and you have to be prepared to fight in every single game. They are a club that punch above their weight and that means you have to be a certain type of player.